GOD SPEAKS...

.....so, as the pictures depicted in my last post, I had a fun-filled refreshing weekend!.........and I would love to share with you how God spoke to me throughout this time!

The Cat Walk. I anticipated this as being the most challenging event for me. Walking on a log 40-50 feet in the air. I was actually taken aback when I felt just how intense the fear was once I climbed onto that log! My level of fear surprised me! I spoke out words of fear and doubt, and I'm sure my face showed my fear as well!

I looked across the log to Nancy, my partner, and heard her saying how scared she was to let go of the tree and start walking......but all I SAW on her face was that joy and peace that she always exudes! Even afraid, I could only see her sweetness and peace!

In that fleeting moment, I realized how deeply I desire to carry such Godly peace within me ~ regardless of what fear or troublesome trial I may be facing. I want to continue to know God so richly that I know in my "knower" He has me covered. That all is well. That I have no reason to carry any fear or doubt. Not because of my circumstance, but because of WHO is carrying me in the circumstance!

{sigh of relief....as I sink into the arms of my Heavenly Father}

God has been leading me toward such peace, especially on this journey to parenthood. Though my face may still reflect my fear at times, I am thankful that He continues to show up and remind me of His steadfast love. And as He does, more and more peace overrides my fear ~ in my heart, my mind ~ as well as in my face. Thank you, God!

After this fleeting divine exchange about peace, I started my "cat walk" on the log, toward Nancy. I found myself focusing on a fixed object across the way (the zip line platform). This too, had great symbolism for me regarding my walk with God ~ though I did not process it until my feet were firmly planted on solid ground. You see, once I kept my eyes focused on a steady object, I was able to walk ~ with more confidence and greater peace.

GOD IS MY ZIP LINE PLATFORM!

GOD is who I want to keep my eyes fixed upon in daily life, as well as in the fearful times! Keeping my focus on God's steadfast love and promises, regardless of the circumstance in my life, gives me the confidence I need to take one step at a time. Keeping my eyes fixed on Him, gives me His peace to move forward. Even in the times when I don't know which way to go. Even in the moments when I feel I cannot take just one small step.

All He asks is that I keep looking up ~ to Him. God will provide the way. He is that rope-line that snugs up and gives me security. He is that line that will catch me if I fall.

It is my prayer that one day, this knowledge will chase away all fear and doubt, and such divine peace will exude from me in all circumstances. Even when I am afraid.

Women's Retreat Weekend

I SO HOPE YOU ALL HAD AN AWESOME WEEKEND!

The end of my week started with me feeling like total CRUM! I was afraid that I was going to miss our church Women's Retreat! My health improved and I was able to go. YAY! And now I see why the enemy was trying to keep me from joining these precious women! IT WAS A FABULOUS WEEKEND!

I was surrounded by very precious souls. I made new friends that I hope will become "old friends" with time. We had wonderful mountains views. We worshipped together.

Bethany and Lindsey were wonderful!

We studied God's word together.....(not sure whose hand this is, but love the picture!)

(Isn't Sarah SO talented with the camera!?

THANKS for all the great pics, Sarah!)

Connie and I laughed together so hard one night, we had tears streaming down our cheeks (and we kept our roomies up, I'm sure! Sorry, Sonia and Terra!) We felt like we were in high school again. Good for our souls!

This year all who wanted to (which was almost everyone!) participated in a Ropes Course. If you haven't done one, and ever get the opportunity.....Go For It! Total BLAST! That's all I have to say! Sums it all right up!

We had team building activities where we had to pass one another through small "web" spaces in what looked like a soccer net. Our group (#7...we called ourselves the divine group!) passed a fake egg around 16 women in 2.6 seconds! Creative passing brought us the fastest time! {smile} We lead, and were lead, blindfolded throughout the forest.

Tricia, Nancy, Sarah and me, as we prepare for our turn at the....

ZIP LINE! My first zip line ever! My scream, as I leaped off the platform high in the sky (climbed a tree to get there), was a release of pure JOY and FREEDOM! Likely the closest I will ever feel to flying!

Yes, that is me!...Spread eagle...Flying FREE!

Look hard, I blend in with the tree, but I'm there!

Immediately following my free-flying on the Zip Line, we headed to the "Cat walk." I can't say I walked as gracefully as a cat, but the experience rocked my socks off!

You climb a tree, get out onto this log that is WAY high in the air (yes, roped in, but that doesn't keep you from feeling woogy!), walk toward one another ~ PASS one another! ~ and continue to make your way to the other tree! Without falling! Schnikers!

WE DID IT!

It was SO FUN to do this with dear, precious, sweet Nancy, our pastor's wife. Neither one of us wanted to let go of our tree and take those first few steps on the log without something to hold onto.....but we did it!

Such a weekend of being refreshed and revived in God's love! Next post I will share with you how the Cat Walk, and weekend overall, spoke to me. I came home with a couple "life lessons" that I will forever carry with me.

THANK YOU, Lord, for meeting each one of us, in our own individual way, this weekend at Trinity Pines! Your presence amongst us was real. We enjoyed our time with you ~ and with one another!